but is repeated in this post. The rest of the June 2011 post remains unchanged for now. It may be revised in the future as time permits.

Comment

GM commented: For a long time, there has been no conclusive answer to the question of the legality of bicycles equipped with gas assist motors. There are many such vehicles in use and many manufacturers of kits to so equip a bicycle.

Our position all along has been that bicycles equipped with electric assist motors are legal vehicles if they meet the definition in the statutes, and no registration or driver’s license is required.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(2) Bicycle –Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

Our position has also been that bicycles equipped with gas assist motors are not legal vehicles and cannot be operated on Florida roadways.

That position is supported by the Florida Highway Patrol. See this summary of an email exchange with the FHP.

Ask Geo: “Can I then deduce that a bicycle equipped with a gas-assist motor which cannot be registered as a moped or motorcycle cannot legally be operated on the roadway?”

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles policy was also in agreement with our position. See this extract from a letter dated June 8, 2011 to one of our readers:

“There is no situation, with or without a Class-E driver license, regardless of the size of the gas powered motor, in which a bicycle propelled by a gas powered motor can or may legally be operated on the roadways.”

We were informed by one of our readers that the DHSMV has recently revised their policy guidance about gas motors on bicycles.

In their Procedure RS – 68 of May 12, 2014, the DHSMV published new guidance about bicycles with gas assist motors. In summary, they may now be operated on the roadways if they meet the statutory definition and construction and safety requirements of “moped”, are registered and licensed with the DHSMV and the driver has a valid driver’s license. A title is not required.

Please note that this change does not permit the operation of a bicycle with a gas assist motor kit unless all of the above requirements are met.

The operation bicycles with electric assist motors which meet the statutory definition of “bicycle” is unchanged. No registration or driver’s license is required.

We believe the DHSMV action on this new guidance was driven by the persistent communications with the FBA and some our readers with the Department on this subject. That is an example of how our readers can be empowered to seek action from our government agencies and others and how FBA can help you improve your roadway environment.

The June 2011 post remains the same.

There have been a lot of questions about motorized bicycles. We have answered them as they came and there were four separate posts on the same subject. This post replaces all of those and consolidates all the most recent information. Many thanks to all who have contributed with comments, but we will lose them with this post.

Each of the questions is repeated here.

Question

James asked: Is it legal to ride a bike with a small motor on the roads in Florida?

Answer

Motorized bicycles powered by an electric assist motor are bicycles as defined in the statutes, and lacking a statute to the contrary their operators have the same rights and duties as other vehicle operators.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which a person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device.

A person must be age 16 or older to operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

(2) No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

For gas powered bicycles, see below.

Question

Frank asked: I tried looking up the fine for riding an electric bicycle (under electric power) on a sidewalk. Can you tell me what that may be?

Answer

The applicable statute is:

s. 316.1995 – Driving upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path

No person shall drive any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, or sidewalk area, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

The penalty would be:

s. 318.18 – Amount of Penalties

(3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, $60 for all moving violations not requiring a mandatory appearance.

There could be additional court costs that could be $100 or more. You should check with your local law enforcement agency for more information.

Question

Roxanne asked: I was pulled over today for riding my electric bicycle on the street. What are the laws about this? I was told I must to use the sidewalk and follow the pedestrian rules regarding intersections and traffic lights. The officer also implied that I needed bicycle insurance.

Answer

See above about operating a vehicle by power on a sidewalk. If you are operating your bicycle on the sidewalk under human power, you have the rights and duties of a pedestrian, and must yield to pedestrians.

Lacking a statute to the contrary, you are entitled to use the roadway just as is any other vehicle.

A driver’s license is not required since a bicycle is not a motor vehicle.

Insurance is not required. In the state of Florida, every person driving a motor vehicleregistered with the state must carry the state’s minimum coverage.

s. 324.021 – Definitions; Minimum Insurance Required

(1) Motor Vehicle – Every self-propelled vehicle which is designed and required to be licensed …. but not including any bicycle or moped.

s. 324.022 – Financial Responsibility for Property Damage

(1) Every owner or operator of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state shall establish and maintain the ability to respond in damages for liability on account of accidents arising out of the use of the motor vehicle in the amount of $10,000 because of damage to, or destruction of, property of others in any one crash.

Question

Jerry asked: I’m trying to find out about Florida law on bicycles with a gas power-assist engine prior to buying one.

a. Do the rules vary by county? I’ve heard that is ok, simply follow the rules of the road, have a headlight and tail light, and be over 16 years of age. No insurance or registering is required.

b. I’ve seen two bicycles for sale, one with a 48cc engine, and the other with a 66cc engine. Would both engines be ok to ride on the street?

c. Can you kindly refer me to a website link that further explains or reviews this?

Answer

The vehicle you describe does not fit the legal definition of “bicycle”, since a “motorized bicycle” has an electric helper motor.

A bicycle with a gas assist motor is not legal on the roadway or the sidewalk. It is not a bicycle, a moped, nor a motorcycle. See this post for additional information about mopeds.

Additional information can be found at this DHSMV link. Below is a question and answer from that site.

A company is advertising on TV a gas engine kit that can be added to a bicycle. The engine is tied into the pedal system like a Moped and it has to be pedaled to start the engine. It is advertised that the bicycle will be propelled to 30MPH. How is the tax collector supposed to register this bicycle/gas engine assembly?

The definition of bicycle under s. 316.003(2), F.S., includes motorized bicycles. Bicycles are not registered or titled. Engine kits for bicycles are not new and there are a variety of kits available, however, they remain bicycles after the engine kit is installed. There are other requirements that must be met to be classified as a motorcycle/scooter/moped such as frame assembly and safety features. If a customer brings in paperwork for a bicycle, they cannot be legally issued a title or registration nor is it required. The agent should also direct the customer to law enforcement if there are any questions as to where the motorized bicycle can be used.

One of our readers pursued this question further with the DHSMV and received this letter. He/she asked that the name not be published.

There should be no difference in the state requirements in different counties. The traffic laws are uniform throughout the state, but counties or municipalities may impose local ordinances that do not conflict with state laws. When in doubt, ask your local Sheriff’s Office or police department.

Question

Melanie asked: I have done some research and have discovered that an electric scooter is classified as a bicycle if: It can be powered manually (by pedaling) as well as have a power assist electric motor not to exceed 750 watts, a 25″ seat at its highest extension and will not exceed 20mph. A drivers’ license is not required to operate a “bicycle” as defined by Florida law.

Can an “electric assist motor scooter” be operated without a drivers’ license as well? Please do not refer me to the Florida statutes, I have gone over and over them and cannot come up with a clear conclusion of the law regarding this issue.

Answer

If your vehicle is as described, it appears to meet the definition of “bicycle” in the statutes. If so, a driver’s license is not required. If it is not a “bicycle” and is a motor scooter, a driver’s license is required.

There is no statutory definition of an “electric scooter”, “electric assist motor scooter” or “motor scooter”, but the DHSMV seems to place a motor scooter in the same category as the motorized scooter as defined below.

“Motorized scooter” seems to apply to the toy scooters without a seat, which are not bicycles and are not legal on the roads or sidewalks lacking a local ordinance to the contrary.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(82) Motorized Scooter – Any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(1) A person who engages in the business of, serves in the capacity of, or acts as a commercial seller of motorized scooters or miniature motorcycles in this state must prominently display at his or her place of business a notice that such vehicles are not legal to operate on public roads, may not be registered as motor vehicles, and may not be operated on sidewalks unless authorized by an ordinance enacted pursuant to s. 316.008(7) or s. 316.212(8).

If your vehicle is described as a “motor scooter” there may be additional requirements, and may be legal to operate on the roads. In order to determine those requirements, you must ascertain the specifications as stated by the manufacturer. The DHSMV link in the question above may be helpful. One paragraph from that site is quoted.

“If a MCO (Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin) states the vehicle is a “motor scooter”, use the definition of “motorcycle” in section 320.01(27) or “moped” in section 320.01(28), Florida Statutes, to determine if the vehicle should be titled and registered as a motorcycle or registered as a moped. The MCO must show the cc’s of the motor for a motorcycle or the brake horsepower (bhp) for a moped.”

You should contact your dealer or the manufacturer to determine the exact specifications and contact your local law enforcement office with this information to determine the applicable laws.

regarding motor scooters, based on a Legal Opinion by the Attorney General, extracts of which are included. It refers to gas powered motor scooters, but does not address those with an electric motor. It also seems to contradict the material above regarding the definition excluding a seat.

Motor Scooters- Are they legal in Florida?

It is unlawful to operate a motor scooter as defined in Florida statute 316.003(82), on any roadway in Florida, unless the operator has a valid diver license. By a ruling of the Attorney General (AGO 2002-47) these vehicles are not subject to the equipment and safe driving requirements of a motor vehicle contained in chapter 316. However, if such vehicles are operated on the roads of Florida, the operator must possess a valid driver license per chapter 322.03.

Attorney Generals Office Legal Opinion 2002-47

Are motorized scooters subject to the equipment and safe driving requirements of a motor vehicle or the provisions relating to mopeds or “electric personal assistive mobility devices” prescribed in Chapter 316, Florida Statutes?

As of July 1, 2002, motorized scooters are excluded from the definition of “motor vehicle” for purposes of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, and therefore are not subject to the equipment and safe driving requirements of a motor vehicle contained in that chapter, nor are the provisions relating to mopeds or “electric personal assistive mobility devices” prescribed in C hapter 316, Florida Statutes, applicable to motorized scooters.

In Attorney General Opinion 93-45, this office concluded that a motorized scooter powered by a gasoline engine with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour may be characterized as a “motor vehicle” pursuant to section 316.003(21), Florida Statutes 1993, and that the drivers and operators of these scooters were subject to the provisions of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, governing vehicles and vehicular traffic. At that time, section 316.003(21) defined “motor vehicle” as “[a]ny self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle or moped.”[1]

You have advised this office that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has stated that motorized scooters, are subject to the regulations regarding equipment and safe driving requirements of a motor vehicle as mandated by Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. [2] In addition, the department, relying on the opinion of the Second District Court of Appeal in State v. Riley,[3] has concluded that a motorized scooter driver is required to have a driver’s license.[4]

During the 2002 legislative session, however, the Legislature amended the definition of “motor vehicle,” effective July 1, 2002. Section 67 of Chapter 02-20, Laws of Florida, amends section 316.003(21) to define “motor vehicle” as “[a]ny self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped.”

Thus, effective July 1, 2002, motorized scooters as defined by section 316.003(82), Florida Statutes, as amended, are expressly excluded from the definition of “motor vehicles” for purposes of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. Accordingly, the provisions of that chapter that prescribe various equipment and safe driving requirements of motor vehicles are no longer applicable to “motorized scooters.”

Moreover, the provisions relating to the operation of mopeds would not be applicable to “motorized scooters” since such scooters, which have no seat or saddle for a rider’s use, do not fall within the definition of “mopeds” contained in section 316.003(77), Florida Statutes. Thus, such provisions as sections 316.208 and 316.2085, Florida Statutes, which set forth the responsibilities of persons operating a motorcycle or moped, or section 316.211, Florida Statutes, which prescribes the equipment for motorcycle and moped riders, are inapplicable to motorized scooters.[5] Similarly, the requirement of section 316.2068, Florida Statutes, as created by section 68, Chapter 02-20, Laws of Florida, imposing certain regulations on electric personal assistive mobility devices, apply only to such devices as defined in section 316.003(83), Florida Statutes, as amended. I would note, however, that the definition of “motor vehicle” contained in section 322.01(26), Florida Statutes, for purposes of that chapter relating to driver’s licenses, has not been amended and still defines “motor vehicle” as “any self-propelled vehicle, including a motor vehicle combination, not operated upon rails or guideway, excluding vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, and motorized bicycles as defined in s. 316.003.”[6]

In light of the above, the Legislature may wish to readdress these issues and clarify its intent regarding the operation of motorized scooters in this state.

Accordingly, I am of the opinion that as of July 1, 2002, motorized scooters are excluded from the definition of “motor vehicle” for purposes of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, and therefore are not subject to the equipment and safe driving requirements of a motor vehicle contained in that chapter, nor are the provisions relating to mopeds or “electric personal assistive mobility devices” prescribed in Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, applicable to motorized scooters.

98 comments on “Motorized Bicycles”

A license is not required to drive a bicycle with an electric assist motor if it meets the definition of “bicycle”. Operating a bicycle with a gas assist motor is not legal on the roads. See the other posts about motorized bicycles.

I live in Archer Fl. & I have no problems w/police nor officers of the law in me riding my gas powered bicycle into work & they have also waved me on with no warning of this so-called law, because they know that it can be beat in court with loopholes in the law. So I will continue in riding my gas powered bicycle into work. Have a wonderful day to you all.

Lilyann,
If your brother was operating a bicycle or eBike that meets the definition of bicycle, a license is not required. See the posts about that on this site.
Without knowing the circumstances, we cannot determine if your brother may have been violating the law.
You should retain an attorney for legal advice.

is it legal to ride an electric bicycle on the beaches in florida? i was stopped by beach patrol and they told me it was illegal to ride my bike on the beach because it had aan electric motor…. im not sure this is a law or not

Louis,
I am not aware of a state state statute that prohibits motorized bicycles on the beach however, many of the beaches are state, county or municipality park property and the local regulations may prohibit vehicles with power other than human power. Some prohibit all vehicles, which would include bicycles. If the regulation prohibits only motor vehicles, an eBike should be allowed if it is as defined in the statutes as a bicycle and not a motor vehicle.
I recommend asking the officer or going to the police station in which the beach is located and asking the duty officer to quote the regulation or ordinance that the officer used.
Please let us know what you find out.

I have followed this post for a while, but I am still confused about something. First, “fine for riding an electric bicycle (under electric power) on a sidewalk” is mentioned as using electric power on the sidewalk being wrong. Then, it is mentioned just below that, another person was using their bike on the road, and that was also wrong. Could you explain?

Is it legal to ride an electric bike, using electric power (pedal-assist) in the bike lane?
Is it legal to ride an electric bike, using human propulsion, on the sidewalk?

1. My e-bike tops out at 20mph.
What happens if I take it over 20mph under my own power?

2. What if its capable of going over 20mph?

Does this make it a “motor vehicle”? Especially for question #1 as I’ll always be pedalling.

I have no license. I would like to know so I don’t get arrested. I can’t seem to fathom calling my 20mph++ 750watt e bike a “motor vehicle” if I humanly propel it over 20mph and the electric help tops out at 20mph.

Since the e assist is programmed to shut off at 20mph
Any speed over the 20mph is human power only.
When clocked at 30mph and stopped for an e assist going over the 20mph it is understood that if the e assist cuts off at 20mph the only way the bicycle can go over that speed is by human power only.
Once the e assist motor is disengaged at 20 mph you are now human power only at that point and a bicycle doing 30 mph under human power.

A traffic light has a combination of a red light, yellow light and a green light.
Trying to imply that the word combination means simultaneously is where you can see that, that argument would be rendered useless.
Certainly a traffic light is a combination of three colors and certainly they are not operated simultaneously, under normal conditions.
It’s absurd to consider that the vehicle is a bicycle without the motor and that adding the motor, which will not reach 20 mph unassisted makes the vehicle not a bicycle, under the wording of the statute. I can exceed 20 mph in my velomobile without an electric assist, does that make my vehicle not-a-bicycle?
It is also clear from the statute that if your electric assist motor is capable of powering the vehicle at more than 20 mph on its own, it is not a bicycle and would require registration as a moped and a driver’s license to be operated legally on the roads. The wattage is not relevant, since that is not discussed in the statute.
If the motor combined with human power produces speeds greater than 20 mph, it is less clear. So you would have to show that the e assist is programed to shut off the motor at 20 mph leaving you with a total human power bicycle that has to comply with the posted speed limits.

so i have a scooter (its a baja BE500H) and it has pedals, and it also has an electric motor, i bought it in california, it has NEVER had a plate on it, i never got pulled over in ca, though i was told it could happen, though it never did. According to CA i was able to ride it on sidewalks, paths, and the road. It has full motor vehicle safety specs, blinkers, high/low beams, horn, mirrors, brake lights

I brought it to AZ where they are a bit more weird about these things, i removed the pedals because unlike CA you dont have to have them on (in CA if you remove them it automatically becomes a motorcycle wtf) and its downright dangerous to leave them on, everytime you take a turn you smash them on something, so i removed them and put them in the battery box. SInce i have been in AZ i have ridden on all the paths, the canal trails, walkways, and sidewalks, as well as traveled in the motor vehicle lanes as well. I still have not plated it yet. During my time in AZ i was pulled over twice, once for a “motorcycle” on a sidewalk with “no plate” , once he realized what i was driving he let me go. Second time for “no light extending 500 feet in front of me) while travelling at night in a bike lane, once he saw i had an electric scooter he again had to let me go

Now as i prepare to take this to FL i have no intention of plating it, i do have a license but on the island i am going to electric scooters are common, because everyone there has a DUI, i dont but thats beside the point

BY FEDERAL statute this scooter is an ELECTRIC BICYCLE and must be afforded that way by a local municipality, will i get pulled over on the island, probably, but i doubt they will be able to ticket me! Who knew being “green” would be so difficult

Jay,
As long as your eBike meets the FL statutory definition of “bicycle”, you shouldn’t have a problem.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride ….

This is the most ridiculous web site I ever read. There is no correct answer, it just keeps going around in a circle. I am a Hospice pt and all I want to know is, do a need a friggin drivers licence to ride an electric bicycle around. Yes I will need to go on the streets, not highways just local streets.
I am sorry if I sound aggravated but live is confusing enough with out your silly games. Joey Weisbaum

Ok so I have question I was planning on building my own motorized bicycle I’m a big guy 6’6″ about 280 I need something to move my big but down the road planing to just ride it to work witch is like 2 miles from my house maybe 3 but I was going to get that new bicycle with the big tires on it from WalMart and put a 22hp (670cc) motor on it disc brakes and lights now soul that mean I need to plate or as a moped or is “state law” telling me I cant ride it?

Blane,
Your vehicle would not be a moped. See the other related posts on this site.
s. 316.003 – Definitions
(77) Moped – Any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels; with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground ….
If you could get it registered with the DMV, it would be a motorcycle and would need a title, license tag and you would need a driver’s license with a motorcycle certificate.
Why not just use it without a motor and avoid all the problems. No registration, driver’s license etc.

I have a tadpole human powered trike with 2 front wheels and 1 rear. the seat height is adjustable between 6 inches and 12 inches. If I purchased an electric assist motor, would I legally be allowed to ride it in a bike lane/local street/sidewalk?

Alan,
Your vehicle is not a bicycle since the seat height does not meet the statutory definition. If powered by an electric assist motor, your vehicle would not be legal on the roadways since it is not the defined “motorized bicycle” with a seat height of at least 25 inches in the statute. That definition was written before trikes and recumbents became popular, so that may not have been intentional, but that’s the law.
Note that the statutes impart the rights and duties of other drivers to operators of “human powered ” vehicles, and not just bicyclists. You can operate your vehicle under only human power in the roadway, including the bike lane, and on the sidewalk or bike path.
See the details and statutes in the posts and comments above.

I hope someone may be able to help me. I live in the UK and own a 1958 Göricke bicycle fitted with a 1960 Rex 49cc engine. It can do around 25mph flat out and has lights but no turn indicators. Here in the UK all motorised bicycles are classed as mopeds and have to be registered, insured and inspected. The rider must have a moped licence and wear a motorcycle helmet. They cannot be ridden on cycle paths or in cycle lanes.

It is my aim to fly into Miami with the machine and ride it to San Diego CA to raise funds for a local charity. I know that I can import it into the US temporarily as a visitor for up to one year. I am unclear however, if I would be able to ride it on the roads of Florida? Posts on this discussion seem to say that bicycles cannot be ridden on the highways of Florida. Does that mean ALL roads, or is a ‘highway’ a specific type of road in Florida?

The federal temporary import rules say that the ‘vehicle’ must conform to the rules of it’s country of registration. So if my UK registration documents show it as a ‘moped’, would that satisfy a FHP officer, even if it did not qualify as a moped in Florida?

s. 316.003 – Definitions
(53) Street or Highway
(a) The entire width between the boundary lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic ….

Moped operators have the same rights and duties as other drivers except as noted in the statutes or local regulations:

s. 316.208 – Motorcycles and Mopeds
(1) Any person operating a motorcycle or moped shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
(2)(a) Any person operating a moped upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
1. When overtaking or passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this paragraph, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a moped and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(b) Any person operating a moped upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.
(3) A person propelling a moped solely by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
(4) No person shall propel a moped upon and along a sidewalk while the motor is operating.

The only highways that restrict low powered vehicles are limited access highways:

s. 316.091 – Limited Access Facilities; Interstate Highways; Use Restricted
(1) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.
(2) Except as provided herein, no person shall operate upon a limited access facility any bicycle, motor-driven cycle, animal-drawn vehicle, or any other vehicle which by its design or condition is incompatible with the safe and expedient movement of traffic.

Minimum speed restrictions, usually 45 or 50 mph, maybe posted at the entrances to such facilities.

I want to buy a 4 wheel pedal powered ( bike for 2 ) factory built vehicle which is like two bikes hitched together, for two people. It does not quite fit the definitions that I have seen on this site, but is no different than two bikes traveling together. It is sold as a “Rhoades Car”. If I install an electric assist motor, how will it be considered?

1) Is it an issue in FL if it has both pedal assist and throttle control? Does the pure throttle option disqualify it as bicycle?

2) Some models appear to have pedal assist that tops out at 20 mph if pure throttle, or 28mph before disabling motor if combined with human pedaling. Is there any further clarification on this issue for FL, or is this in violation due to the motor still running above 20mph?

3) There are lots of local trails that prohibit motorized vehicles. Am I OK legally so long as I turn off the motor?

4) If I add a second motor to the front to make it 2WD, does the 750 watt requirement mean I can’t go over 750 combined between the two?

5) Can I run higher voltage (60-90) in order to get more torque within 750 watt requirement, or am I hitting some other legal limit like horsepower?

The statute about human powered vehicles on sidewalks and bike paths does not prohibit motor vehicles on the sidewalk with the motor power off. It refers to the actual means of propulsion and not the type of vehicle. You should check with the authority having jurisdiction for the wording of the ordinance in effect. It may be more specific.

The definition of motorized bicycle does not mention the 750 watts, only the speed under power.

Your other questions are not addressed in the laws. For a discussion of those topics, please refer to this post, also reading the links and comments.

Hi, I’m also interested in the question G-Man asked: Is it an issue in FL if it has both pedal assist and throttle control? Does the pure throttle option disqualify it as bicycle? The link that Geo provided did not answer the question. Would I have to disable the throttle control option in order for it to qualify as a bicycle? Thank you!

Im currently going through a situation where i was pulled over and arrested for dwls with knowledge on a tao tao electric bicycle. Now the officer states florida law and says that he looked up the electric bike and that it didnt qualify to his knowledge (plate on back gives federal statur) qualifying it a a unregisterd motor vehicle and also cited me for not registering it aswell. This was not my first encounter with this officer and he threatend me last time saying i needed to have the pedals on the bike in order for it to qualify wich atm when i fist met the pedals were off due to my foot getting stuck under one bending my foot back fracturing my foot so i removed the left and right pedal … Now the left bar is remeovable and wont stay put permanently … Now this second encounter when i was arrested hes saying i didnt have the pedals on it when i did and he even put the pedal in evidence to be a dick now i believe his fighting point is that i was riding without the pedals causing him to be unable to identify it was an electric bike even though it states per federal code it is an electric bike on the back… Now i did not have a plastic pedal o. The right side due to it falling off but the arm was thier and the left side pedal was connected to the bike…. So i believe i was pulled over and arrested unlawfuly and and searched and detained illegaly……

Savage,
The federal code to which you refer is likely that of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and has no bearing on state traffic laws which define a motorized Bicycle. See the numerous posts on this site about motorized bicycles.